“The significance of the mystical number 13, which frequently appears upon the Great Seal of the United States, is not limited to the number of the original colonies.

The sacred emblem of the ancient initiates, here composed of 13 stars, also appears above the head of the “eagle.” The motto, E Pluribus Unum, contains 13 letters, as does also the inscription, Annuit Coeptis.

The “eagle” clutches in its right talon a branch bearing 13 leaves and 13 berries and in its left a sheaf of 13 arrows.

The face of the pyramid, exclusive of the panel containing the date, consists of 72 stones arranged in 13 rows.” - Manly P. Hall; The Secret Teachings of all Ages.

The eagle bears on its chest a shield designed with 13 pales (stripes) of white and red. Above the eagle’s head, the 13 stars are arranged in what was described as a ‘constellation’ when the Great Seal was designed... take a closer look:

If one delves deeper into American history, other 13s are likely to be found, to include the design of the US flag with 13 stripes of red and white. Add to that, the process involved with folding the flag includes 13 steps - each with its own special meaning.

The phrase “July the Fourth” contains 13 letters and the number 4 (1+3), the birth number of the U.S. (July 4, 1776), which may explain the real reason why the founding fathers chose this as the official birth date of the United States.

When you journey further back into Jewish tradition, the number 13 actually has a multiplicity of special meanings.

A few of them are:

Thirteen signifies the age at which a boy matures and becomes a Bar Mitzvah, or ”Son of the Commandment,” which means the responsibility of the religious duties are now put on his shoulders.

According to the Torah, God has thirteen attributes of mercy.

There are also the famous thirteen principles of faith, compiled by medieval Jewish rabbi and philosopher Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), outlining Judaism’s tenets.

In ancient times the number 13 became a number of fear and superstition because the 13th card of the Tarot is the card of Death, and is pictured as a skeleton (the symbol of death) with a scythe reaping down men in a field of newly grown grass where young faces and heads appear cropping up on all sides.

This image later became known as “The Grim Reaper,” and it was ascribed to the planet Saturn. In medieval England the standard fee of the hangman was 13 pence - a shilling and a penny.

But 13 is not always portrayed as an unfortunate number, as is generally supposed.

It has become so firmly associated in the popular mind with the notion of “bad luck” that it is easy to forget the fact that in the ancient mystic religions 13 was the characteristic number of participants in many orders and occult groups, including sacred meals – a fact reflected in the size of the original Nazarene Last Supper.

There are 12 Knights of the Round Table as well as King Arthur himself (12 + 1 = 13). During the quest for the Holy Grail, a damsel offers Bors (Knight of King Arthur) her love, which he refuses. Because of this the damsel along with 12 other women (1 + 12 = 13) threaten to throw themselves from a tower.

Merlin was said to have been captured by Nimue disguised as a hare. The legend says he now guards the 13 Treasures of Britain and awaits rebirth. At Alderley Edge in Cheshire, Merlin is said to be underground with 13 Knights waiting for England’s hour of need.

The 13th Rune is Eiwaz. This rune is the balance point between light and dark.

In Norse mythology 13 is a symbol of the Goddess Freya and her day is Friday.

In French mythology we have Roland who is the leader of the 12 peers. (Roland 1 + 12 peers = 13).

In Danish mythology we have the story of King Hrolfr Kraki and the 12 berserkers. (Hrolfr 1 = 12 berserkers = 13).

In Greek mythology there is the tale of Odysseus and his 12 companions. (Odysseus 1 = 12 companions = 13).

There are 13 notches on the horn carried by the Venus of Laussel.

On Friday 13th October 1307, the Knights Templar were arrested by order of the King of France Philippe IV. Jacques de Molay the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar was burned to death on Friday 13th March 1314. The Pope's bull of 1313 banned the Knights Templars.